From the Distillery
COCKTAILS
Stories, recipes, and reflections from our corner of Wiltshire exploring the craft, the landscape and the flavours that shape our spirits.
FROM THE DISTILLERY BAR
Each month, we create a new cocktail inspired by the season, the landscape and the spirits we make at Downton Distillery.
Some recipes revisit established classics. Others explore fresh ingredients, unusual flavour combinations and new ways to serve gin, vodka, liqueurs and eaux de vie. Every recipe includes clear measurements, practical techniques and guidance to help you make it confidently at home.
From crisp Martinis and refreshing summer serves to warming nightcaps and orchard-led cocktails, this is where we share what we are mixing behind the distillery bar.
COCKTAIL OF THE MONTH
Autumnal Martinez | Classic | Gin Cocktail
A rich, autumnal riff on the Martinez, combining Great Bustard Autumnal Gin, sweet vermouth, Downton Crème de Cassis and orange bitters. Dark fruit, orchard spice and bittersweet citrus.
Jardin éphémère | Spritz | Brandy Cocktail
Jardin Éphémère cocktail with elderflower, apple, Downton Eau de Vie de Cidre and Champagne. A fresh, aromatic orchard-inspired serve.
COCKTAILS | DOWNTON DISTILLERY
Martha Martini | Martini | Gin Cocktail
Learn how to make the perfect Lady Martha Martini with our signature vermouth blend, orange bitters and expert techniques for exceptional flavour.
Umami Martini | Gin & Vodka Cocktail
A fat washed martini takes a classic and gives it depth. The spirit stays clear and crisp, yet the texture becomes silkier and more rounded. Subtle savoury notes lift the...
The Insomniac Martini | Vodka Cocktail
The Insomniac sits apart from the Espresso Martini. It keeps the coffee base but adds richness, creaminess and a clear nutty depth from our hazelnut vodka or Nocino. The sweetness...
Chocolate Martini | Vodka Cocktail
Easter is the ideal moment to showcase the Chocolate Martini. Chocolate and alcohol have been paired since ancient Central America and the drink gained fame in 1955 when Rock Hudson...
Vesper Martini | Gin & Vodka Cocktail
The Vesper Martini is a classic cocktail created by Ian Fleming in his 1953 novel Casino Royale. Made famous by James Bond, it combines gin and vodka with Lillet, an...
Queen's Platinum Jubilee Martini | Gin Cocktail
This Martini places puts great gin front and centre. Originating in the 1930s, it replaces dry vermouth with Dubonnet, a sweet, herb infused French aperitif created in 1846. Favoured by...
Samphire Martini | Gin Cocktail
The Samphire Martini is a fresh, savoury twist on the classic dirty martini. We replace olive brine with seasonal UK samphire, infused into Explorer’s Gin for a clean coastal salinity...
Left Bank Martini | Gin Cocktail
The Left Bank Martini is a refined, aromatic take on the classic. Gin meets a softer, wine led aperitif for balance and elegance, delivering a smooth, composed martini with Parisian...
The Breakfast Martini | Gin Cocktail
The Breakfast Martini is a modern classic made with Downton Distillery gin. Bright citrus leads, balanced by orange marmalade and a clean, dry structure. Fresh, lively, and precise, it delivers...
Dirty Martini | Martini | Gin Cocktail
The Dirty Martini at Downton Distillery celebrates a cocktail classic. Gin and vermouth meet savoury depth, rooted in New York history and modern gin revival.
